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Any malware that will copy itself from PC to USB to PC?

We've recently rolled out Windows XP Pro to some computers on our network. This has meant that there is the potential for users to plug in USB storage devices and I'm concerned ...

on 2005-04-17 14:03:17

We've recently rolled out Windows XP Pro to some computers on our network. This has meant that there is the potential for users to plug in USB storage devices and I'm concerned about any virus risk that this may cause.
Â Â Â My question is this: "Is there malicious software out there that will copy itself from an infected computer onto the USB key and then onto any computers that the key is plugged into WITHOUT user intervention?"
Â Â Â I understand that USB storage devices could be used to steal data or someone could physically copy malicious software from one onto our system but I believe we can manage that through software/user policy and I'm more concerned about more covert threats. Any help you can give will be appreciated. [Windows XP Pro] [UK]
2005-04-17 14-04-11 SOURCE: KevinT
Good idea! The only way to do this is with access control mechanisms set by Admin and then users must be Limited users - which can hurt functionality.
You might, depending upon the size of your NW, look at some "PC Security" software products. The only way to control this is through an admin override on logical drive access.
As for viruses that attack this? If not now, then soon!
Winn Schwartau
President and Founder
The Security Awareness Company (Interpact Inc.)
GetInsightU, Inc.
InfowarCon.
Winn AT TheSecurityAwarenessCompany.Com
www.thesecurityawarenesscompany.com

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